Non-NHL Hockey Discussion Thread

Im sure there are people here that actually play Ice/Roller hockey, but there isnt a thread for it in the sports section.

When i was younger i played street/roller hockey, but never in an actual league or anything. I havnt played a lick of hockey since i was like 14, and im 24 now. Theyre building an ice hockey complex about 15 minutes from me so im pretty excited to start playing again.

So what are some "noob" things that i should avoid? I dont want to go out there looking like "that guy". I know the general notion in pretty much anything is to not go out and buy the best of everything when you cant use it to its potential, but then i dont want to skimp on being safe, or at least safe enough that i can still work the next day.

When the complex opens i plan on taking a beginner hockey training course just so i kinda know what im doing out there. I already know how to do a few things like ice skate, basic stick handling. i know the basic positions/rules of the game and whatnot.

So yeah, any advice, tips, or just anything that wont make me look like an Ovechkin wannabe out there? Also, just discuss whatever hockey related.

Number 8's fine. There's been a ton of players to wear that number. Going with 66, 87, 99 or something like that is a no, though.

I'd say play a league for a bit first, walk on games generally have a pretty wide range of skill. There will probably be some players on your level, but there's often a bunch of jackasses who come to these games and play against people worse than them, I guess it makes them feel good about themselves.

Just go out and have fun. Pick up games usually have a huge range of players as demonic said. If you're not a jackass at pick up games everyone will be cool to you. Hockey is a blast, I've been playing competitively for 14 years now

I don't mean to side track, but if you really want to get better input/output in this kind of area, I'd recommend modsquadhockey. **** HFBoards.

But, I've played my whole life, triple AAA etc whatever. Going to start coaching this August when the Coaching level I classes start. Can't wait to get a team of little ikes and win some championships and **** some rink bunny moms to get their bender son's playing time.

But, HA! Yellow laces are ONLY acceptable on Graf's. I have Graf 704's and to this day rock yellow laces on em. And no tinted visors. The only players that I've played with/against that have tints are benders. They can't skate for **** and always wanna be some sick guy. Bad choice.

Drop in is a great place to start. However, sometimes it's just a bad night. Last Thursday I played in a drop in that was the biggest anti-beginner night of all time. We had CCHA, OHL and other Triple AAA guys there. We had one beginner and he hated it. It was a clinic.

Really, we love to have the beginner's mostly at the drop ins as long as you don't act stupid. I pass to them and try to get them involved and when they're skating against me I give them a little room and try my best to let them actually try some stick handling, etc. Just don't act stupid and skate hard. If anyone says anything or acts stupid, just punch them in the face or talk to a few guys who you think are being nice to you. Generally the douche is an outcast that should get yelled at. But to get started, go to a drop in and find some people that are your skill level and befriend them. Try to get on a league with them and start from there.

Sweet thanks for the info! So how exactly do these drop ins work? I also play basketball and we shoot for teams. First 5 to make a free throw are on a team, etc...

Ive heard that you should bring both a light and a dark jersey with you. not sure how all this works. What happens when everyone shows up except a goalie? Im sure not everyone owns a set of goalie pads. Should i bring a puck?

Black and white are generally how the teams divided. You can bring any color really and the teams will get divided as evenly as they can. Normally, it's just pick a jersey and go play. Some drop ins have refs..haven't been to one but whatever.

No goalie? Play with the post. Hitting the post = a goal. And nah, the rink provides a puck but if you want to bring one to warm up with before the game starts that's fine. Just make sure no one else jacks it.

You won't get hurt because of your gear. No one in drop in puck shoots hard enough, and as long as theres like any type of material covering your knees and elbows you'll be fine. Sign up for old man beer league and have some fun. Half those guys can't skate for **** anyways.

There will be a douche bag who does take high slap shots at drop in here and there. Tell them to keep their shots down. I talked to one guy and he simply didn't get it. We only had 1 goalie that night and he took ****ing clappers on an open net. I had enough when he winded up 4 feet infront of me..I threw my stick at the puck and he got the point from there on..

There will be a douche bag who does take high slap shots at drop in here and there. Tell them to keep their shots down. I talked to one guy and he simply didn't get it. We only had 1 goalie that night and he took ****ing clappers on an open net. I had enough when he winded up 4 feet infront of me..I threw my stick at the puck and he got the point from there on..

You don't have to be that drastic though.

Gotta love those gym class heroes. Just calmly remind them that there are no scouts there and they don't need to be ripping slappers with all their strength.

Im left handed, and i play baseball and basketball left handed, but i play golf right handed for some reason. Should i buy a left or right handed stick? also should a lefty play left wing and a righty play right wing, or does it not matter?

Well ****tt, Ive been playing hockey my whole life. Last season i played Junior B with the Chicago Hitmen GLJHL, we won our leauge then **** the bed at nattys. This season im signing a contract in a little bit to play with the Wisconsin Dells Jr. Ducks, Junior A MnJHL